Community Corner

Renton Mayor Publishes Weekly Newsletter

The Sunset Neighborhood Center is just another in an increasing number of facilities and housing options they have spearheaded.

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Press release from the City of Renton:

October 30, 2020

Mayor's Newsletter

Find out what's happening in Rentonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

In my weekly newsletter I cover all that is happening in Renton, including the most current COVID-19 updates and information from state and federal officials and agencies.

COVID-19 Resources

Find out what's happening in Rentonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The city has compiled resources from several city, county, state and federal entities into a comprehensive COVID-19 page.

Issue: 68 / Friday, Oct. 30, 2020

Taking part in the ribbon cutting were Mirya Munoz, Associate Director, St. Vincent de Paul, Centro Rendu; Janice Deguchi, CEO, Neighborhood House (with scissors); Mark Gropper, Executive Director, Renton Housing Authority; Armondo Pavone, Mayor of Renton; Frankie Kennedy, Clinic Manager for Renton, Valley Cities; and Lisa Yohalem, CEO, HealthPoint.

Sunset Neighborhood Center Grand Opening

On Wednesday, I was proud to represent the city at a ribbon-cutting for the new Sunset Neighborhood Center.

The ribbon-cutting capped a six-year community-wide effort to bring much-needed health and human services to residents. This center is a necessary part of what we are building in Sunset.

The city enthusiastically supported the plan to renovate the vacated Highlands Library into a neighborhood center. But city support is only one component. We needed the help of many individuals and groups to turn our dream into this reality.

We’re very grateful for financial help from the State of Washington, Renton Housing Authority, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Ballmer Group, and First Financial Northwest/Renton Regional Community Foundation. The staff at Neighborhood House also deserves our thanks for leading the capital campaign, which raised $3 million for renovations from both public and private sources.

Community partners who will provide services include HealthPoint (health care), Neighborhood House (family services), Valley Cities (mental health services), and Centro Rendu (Latino services). Their involvement and commitment are key to the success of the center.

Renton is also very fortunate to have a housing authority for the past 80 years. They are continually working to provide quality, affordable housing to our residents. The Sunset Neighborhood Center is just another in an increasing number of facilities and housing options they have spearheaded. Executive Director Mark Groper, their Board of Commissioners, staff, and development team deserve our thanks for their continued dedication. They have been able to do some amazing things for Renton's residents, and we look forward to even more.

Chief Rick Marshall retires after 36 distinguished years

At the end of October, Renton Regional Fire Authority (RFA) Chief Rick Marshall will retire, ending a distinguished 36-year career as a firefighter in Renton.

Rick worked in almost every segment of the fire service-engine, ladder, and aid crews-during his career. He founded the water rescue program and ran it for many years. In 2015, he was an integral part of the team that created the special district concept approved by voters that brought us Renton Regional Fire Authority.

Four years ago, he was appointed RFA chief. His experience and steady hand allowed a seamless transition while expanding services and improving fire protection. One of those improvements was the opening of Fire Station 15 and the adjacent water reservoir in Kennydale. This much needed station has reduced response times and established redundant services.

In this year of COVID-19, Rick and his staff have established the RFA as a regional leader in dealing with the pandemic's effects while continuing to provide first class fire and medical services to Renton residents. The authority continues to serve our community through such proactive programs as public education, code enforcement, and mobile integrated health services.

Even as chief, Rick remained true to his firefighter roots. In 2019 he was part of the annual Firefighter Stair Challenge to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Rick climbed 138 flights of stairs in the Columbia Center in just 18 minutes. His RFA team raised nearly $20,000 for the cause.

We’ll best remember Rick’s strong leadership, character, compassion, and commitment to our city. His ability to create positive and long-lasting partnerships has developed a fire department that sets our region's standard.

Enjoy your retirement, my friend. You have certainly earned it.

O’Halloran earns Certificate of Municipal Leadership

My congratulations to City Councilmember Valerie O'Halloran for earning her Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC).

The certificate requires completion of over 30 hours of training in four core areas: roles, responsibilities and legal requirements; public sector resource management; community planning and development; and effective local leadership.

Completion of these requirements shows Councilmember O’Halloran’s commitment to our city. I'm incredibly impressed she did it during her first year on the council, and while we are working through the effects of COVID-19.

She joins fellow councilmembers Ed Prince (Certificate in 2015) and Ruth Pérez (Advanced Certificate in 2019) in earning this distinction.

Housing authority has CARES Act funding

Renton Housing Authority (RHA) has received CARES Act funding from the city.

These funds will assist our Renton residents who have been impacted by COVID-19 and are now in need of rent and utility assistance.

RHA has up to $3,000 per household in rental assistance and up to $500 per household in utility assistance available. Since their funding is limited, applications will be served in the order received. The last date to apply is Monday, Nov. 15, 2020.

“Age-Friendly” community survey online

Last week I wrote about Renton’s designation as an “Age-Friendly City” by AARP and the World Health Organization.

The designation signals our commitment to make Renton an even more inclusive, accessible, and equitable city to residents of all ages. We started earlier this week with the first of twice-monthly Zoom meetings on various topics.

We have just launched our Age-Friendly Renton Community Survey. The survey will help guide us as we work to bring resources to our older adults. These include social, civic, and educational activities.

The survey covers housing, transportation, outdoor spaces, and other services. Your input will help guide future policies designed to make neighborhoods safe and walkable, while supporting health, well-being, and participation for all Renton residents.

The survey takes less than 15 minutes to complete and will be available through Friday, Nov. 20. You may email recreation@rentonwa.gov to request a copy of the survey in English, Spanish, or Vietnamese.

Sustainable Renton needs our help

Last month I wrote about the excellent work being done in our community by Sustainable Renton. Every Monday, they provide groceries free of charge to those who need them. They started some 30 weeks ago, handing out 1,500 to 3,000 pounds of food per week to as many as 300 families. Monday of this week, they distributed 25,000 pounds of food, serving between 700 and 900 families. An exact count is hard because they don't ask; they act.

Now they can use our help. Sustainable Renton is looking for local organizations and businesses to sponsor and/or operate a warming tent, serve coffee, tea, cocoa, etc. for the volunteers working the store and the patrons.

If you can help, please contact St. Matthew’s Church (1700 Edmonds Ave NE, Renton, WA 98056) at (425) 226-2420.

Economic Development presents “Back in the Game”

Our Economic Development Division will host “Back in the Game” on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 9 to 10 a.m. via Zoom. “Back in the Game” will explore how Renton retailers can welcome shoppers back and deliver a great experience.

Retail specialists Seanette Corkill and Anne Marie Luthro will examine shopper expectations and behaviors. They will also cover best practices for storefronts, customer service, and floor plans that accommodate proper social distancing.

They’re also offering free one-on-one consultations to six participants allowing for a deeper dive into action items and design assistance. Winners must be a brick and mortar business operating within Renton City limits.

Items of Interest

Halloween Safety

The Washington State Department of Health has prepared Tips for a Safer Halloween.

General Election

If you still wish to vote in the general election, your ballot must be postmarked by Tuesday, Nov. 3.

In-person registration and voting is allowed through election day at anyone of seven Vote Centers. You can check your registration online.

Supporting our small businesses through Chip-In

We are excited to work with Renton Chamber of Commerce, One Eastside, and Chip-In to raise funds for Renton small businesses through tax-deductible contributions. Think of it like GoFundMe, but Chip-In does not take a cut. Each dollar donated will support local Renton businesses meet payroll, keep their lights on and doors open.

Landfill support facility comment period ends Oct. 30

Today is the last day to give feedback to King County on the county’s proposed Renton site for a Cedar Hills Regional Landfill support facilities center.

Tourism grant applications being accepted

Our community & economic development department has opened the application process for 2021 Tourism Grants. The deadline is Nov. 30, at 4:30 p.m. Eligible entities include convention and visitors' bureaus, destination marketing organizations, non-profits like chambers of commerce and lodging associations, and municipalities. The grants support Renton's tourism marketing and operations and are funded through the state's Hotel-Motel Tax.

COVID-19 Quicklinks

This press release was produced by the City of Renton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

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